Chefs Share Tips for Perfecting Chicken Essence Steamed Dish

Have you ever experienced the frustration of finding an instructional cooking video unavailable just when you needed it? Worry not—mastering the classic steamed chicken with chicken essence requires no video tutorial. This simple yet delicious dish can easily become a star on your dining table.

Steamed chicken with chicken essence, as the name suggests, features chicken as the main ingredient enhanced with chicken essence through steaming. The dish is celebrated for preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients while delivering tender, juicy meat packed with nutrients. However, achieving perfect results depends on careful ingredient selection and proper seasoning.

For optimal texture and flavor, fresh yellow-feathered chicken or free-range chicken is recommended. These varieties offer firmer meat with superior taste. You may choose to steam the chicken whole or cut into pieces—both methods work well, though each requires different preparation techniques.

• Whole chicken: Requires thorough seasoning both inside and outside the cavity for even flavor distribution.
• Chicken pieces: Allow for quicker absorption of flavors and reduced cooking time.

Beyond chicken essence, the dish benefits from complementary ingredients that enhance its natural flavors while eliminating any undesirable odors. Essential additions include:

• Thinly sliced ginger
• Scallion segments
• Cooking wine
• Salt

Chicken essence should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the chicken's natural taste. For those seeking more complex flavors, consider adding a pinch of white pepper or diced shiitake mushrooms.

Cooking time varies depending on the size of chicken portions and heat intensity:

• Whole chicken: 30-40 minutes
• Chicken pieces: 15-20 minutes

A simple test for doneness involves inserting chopsticks or a fork into the thickest part of the meat—if it penetrates easily, the chicken is ready. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped scallions for visual appeal and added aroma.

This dish offers significant health advantages, featuring easily digestible protein suitable for all age groups. The chicken essence further enhances the dish's umami profile while stimulating appetite. Simple to prepare yet nutritionally balanced, steamed chicken with chicken essence makes an excellent regular addition to family meals.